Amos K. Agliam, 41, of Hilo died Friday afternoon in a single tractor-tanker crash in South Kohala, police said Monday. Amos K. Agliam, 41, of Hilo died Friday afternoon in a single tractor-tanker crash in South Kohala, police said Monday.
Amos K. Agliam, 41, of Hilo died Friday afternoon in a single tractor-tanker crash in South Kohala, police said Monday.
Around 2:04 p.m., a 2003 Kenworth tractor pulling a tanker trailer, which was loaded with 8,402 gallons of No. 2 diesel fuel, was traveling west down a steep grade on Highway 19 (Kawaihae Road) near the 64-mile marker when it pulled onto the right paved shoulder, continued onto the unpaved shoulder and collided with a large mound of dirt and debris. The trailer broke loose, crushing the cab and rolling onto its right side, police said.
The tanker was punctured, spilling between 1,500 and 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel.
It was reported that the vehicle’s brakes were smoking during the descent, police said.
Agliam died at the scene. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. Alcohol and speed are not considered factors in this collision.
Kawaihae Road was closed to all traffic at 2: 26 p.m. It reopened at 8:42 p.m.
Police ask that anyone who witnessed the collision call Officer Thomas Koyangi at 326-4646, extension 229.
